No More Chains!

Galatians 4: 8-9
8 "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods". 9"But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again"? (NIV).

Do you remember your life before God entered into your heart? How did you feel? Were you empty? Were you angry, unhappy, depressed, oppressed, or had a mean spirit?  

Prior to God entering into my life, I had a mean spirit that I dealt with inside of me.  I was so mean, that during my ninth grade year, I did not verbally communicate with my parents because I was upset with them.  I wrote notes to communicate or shared with my younger brother what I needed communicated to my parents. 

My grandmother and mother have shared with me that even as a toddler I would hold my breath if I was upset with someone. Thank God for deliverance because I was a slave to a spirit of holding grudges or nonverbal communications.  I was in captivity beyond my control, because I could be in a person's presence that I did not like and would not speak or talk to them.  

This week I had to ask God help me to not go back to the familiarity of not speaking or holding a grudge against someone who had upset me.  I know God is a deliverer because today I saw that person and politely said, "Good morning!" I thank God for releasing those chains of holding grudges and not speaking to people. 

Familiarity sometimes seems to be the best route to take.  However, going back to those places only add misery, loneliness, bitterness, and bondage. Paul is telling the Galatians not to return to those old ways, but to run towards Jesus. Jesus the one who died for our sins.  Release those chains and embrace God's grace and mercy.  Psalm 51:10 says "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (ESV).

Dear God,
Forgive me for even considering to return to my old ways.  Lord, I should be running, sprinting, leaping towards you and instead of going backwards. Lord, cleanse me, wash me, and purify me because I want to get to Heaven.  

In Jesus Name,

Amen! 

Copyrighted 2014 by Edwina D. Perrin. All rights reserved.